Winter safety awareness: Protecting homes and families during the cold season
The Fidelity Services Group shares expert tips to help protect your family and home from fire, crime and other winter risks.
As temperatures drop across SA, the Fidelity Services Group calls on all households to prioritise safety and security.
With the increased use of heating appliances, longer nights and a higher risk of fire and burglaries, winter poses seasonal challenges that demand extra vigilance.
“Winter is when families come together to stay warm and safe, but it’s also a season when we see a spike in preventable incidents, from house fires to opportunistic crime,” says Charnel Hattingh, the group head of marketing and communications at Fidelity Services Group.
“We want to ensure that our communities are warm and protected.”
Fire safety first
The use of heaters, electric blankets and candles significantly increases during winter, often resulting in a rise in domestic fires.
Fidelity SecureFire offers these recommendations:
• Never leave heaters or open flames unattended;
• Avoid using multiple high-wattage appliances on a single plug point;
• Regularly check smoke detectors and fire extinguishers;
“Simple precautions like switching off heaters before bed and keeping flammable items away from heat sources can save lives,” Hattingh adds.
Home security in the darker months
With shorter days, criminals often take advantage of the early darkness.
Fidelity encourages homeowners to:
• ensure outdoor lighting works and is well-positioned;
• use timers on indoor lights to simulate occupancy;
• regularly test alarm systems and panic buttons.
“Criminals are opportunistic. A well-lit, secure home is a strong deterrent,” says Hattingh.
Emergency preparedness
Fidelity also recommends thfamilies prepare for potential winter-related emergencies:
• Keep an emergency kit with blankets, flashlights, extra batteries and first aid supplies;
• Have a clear evacuation plan in case of a fire or other emergencies;
• Save emergency contact numbers in a visible and accessible location.
Stay warm. Stay alert. Stay safe.
Fidelity remains committed to supporting SA households with expert advice and trusted security solutions throughout winter.
